2026 Term 1 Week 8 20 Mar 2026
Upcoming Events
From the Principal
Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,
It has been an engaging week across our School as we celebrated Harmony Week, and took time to recognise and embrace the rich cultural diversity that exists within our community. It is encouraging to see our students demonstrate respect, inclusion, and a genuine appreciation for one another, values that sit at the heart of Lindisfarne.
During the week Parent–Teacher Interviews continued, providing an important opportunity for families and teachers to connect as our students continue their academic journey. I thank our staff and parents for their ongoing partnership in student progress and a culture of learning and achievement.
On Wednesday, our Year 4 students departed for Camp Goodenough, where they have spent two nights immersed in outdoor learning, teamwork, and new experiences. I had the pleasure of joining them on Wednesday evening, and it was wonderful to see the students embracing the opportunity with such enthusiasm and positivity. Camps such as these are an important part of the Lindisfarne experience, helping to build confident, resilient young people and lasting friendships.
I attended the 2026 Northern Rivers Economic Breakfast in Ballina on Thursday morning, joining community and business leaders to engage in discussions around regional growth and future opportunities. These forums are valuable in ensuring Lindisfarne remains connected and engaged within the broader community. It was a pleasure to have student and staff representatives from Lindisfarne in attendance.
Later that evening we held a farewell for the students from Aoyama Gakuan University on the successful completion of their exchange program with Lindisfarne.
This morning, we welcomed a significant number of prospective families to our Principal’s Tour at Mahers Lane, with over 90 families in attendance. It is uplifting to see such strong interest in our School, and I thank our staff and students who continue to represent Lindisfarne so proudly.
Looking ahead, we have a number of exciting events. Our P&F Trivia Night will be held tomorrow evening in the Senior Centre at Maher's Lane, a great opportunity for our community to gather in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our incredible students and staff involved in our upcoming School Musical, Beauty and the Beast. These students and staff have been rehearsing since late last year, dedicating countless hours, including many Sundays, to bring this production to life. Their commitment, passion, and perseverance have been extraordinary.
This Sunday will see rehearsals continue ahead of opening night next week.
I strongly encourage our community to purchase tickets, show your support, and experience what promises to be a truly outstanding performance (here).
Opening night is this Wednesday at 6.30 pm with a few tickets still available.
In addition it is a tradition in the School to send messages of support and encouragement to the cast and crew before opening night and during the week of the production.
Messages can be sent to musical@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au
On Saturday night following the final performance and again on Sunday morning we are seeking support to ‘bump out’ after the show, ready for the final week of term.
If you feel you could assist please email Simon McKinley Director of Community Engagement smckinley@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au
Finally, I’ll be travelling next week to attend the Round Square Board of Trustees meeting and Strategic Planning Workshop as the representative for Round Square Schools in Australasia and East Asia.
Deputy Principal Charlotte Lush will be in charge of the School during my absence.
Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Warm regards,
Stuart Marquardt
Principal
From the Acting Principal
From the Deputy Principal
From the Acting Deputy Principal
Chaplaincy
Chaplain's Column
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Students,
For my articles this year, we are focusing on the six Ideals of Round Square and their subcategories.
In this article, we will look at the first subcategory of Internationalism - Appreciation for Diversity.
Appreciation for Diversity means valuing and respecting other people’s differences and being open to learning from their unique backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
Whilst an appreciation for diversity is paramount for the internationally diverse schools which make up Round Square, it is also prominent in the Christian Faith, encapsulated in the phrase, ‘Unity in Diversity.’
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of the Corinthians not appreciating the diverse contributions of their fellow Christians.
He illustrates this point through the imagery of Christians all belonging to ‘The Body of Christ’ (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31).
He begins by saying, Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
In emphasising this concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ he goes on to say;
Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?
But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.
If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Historically speaking, it’s important to note that Corinth was a tremendously diverse colony of the Roman Empire, due to its strategic location, and as such was a major trading hub, causing it to be a melting pot of cultures, languages, and perspectives.
This is why Paul was emphasising the importance of appreciating the contributions of all of the diverse members of the Corinthian Church as they lived in such a culturally diverse setting.
In today’s world, we are part of a global community. So Paul's emphasis is even more pertinent for us as it was for the ancient Corinthians.
We all need to appreciate the diverse contributions of others who come from different cultures and backgrounds than our own (Diversity), whilst looking for ways to draw this diversity together in a harmonious fashion (Unity).
Paul’s perspective was that this Unity in Diversity finds its sweet spot in the person of Jesus - the body of Christ.
And Paul was not alone. Justin Martyr, a Chrstian leader and apologist of the following century to Paul (2nd Cent. AD), had this to say: “We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another ethnicity or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies.”
As an Anglican School, we should not only promote the importance of appreciating diversity, but should follow the lead of Paul and the Early Church, in seeking to draw this diversity into unity, so that all of our diverse offerings can contribute to the betterment of our school community.
Blessings,
Reverend Lyndon
Spiritual Gym

Important Information
Important Bus Route Changes Effective Monday 23 March 2026 - Kinetic Services
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
There are a number of bus changes coming into effect from Monday, 23 March 2026. Please note that most of the details for these changes will not be fully reflected on the Transport NSW website until the morning of Monday, 23 March 2026.
We have done our best, given the limited time, to review these changes and provide families with the opportunity to ensure that students understand any adjustments before Monday.
Bus Routes – Changes
S156 – Mahers Lane Campus to Pottsville
S179 – Junior School to Pottsville via Casuarina
S184 – Mahers Lane to Casuarina
S185 – Mahers Lane to Kingscliff/Fingal
S187 – Mahers Lane to Kingscliff (minor change)
These are the major routes that have changed. To view these updates, please review the attached document, which includes maps and a helpful reference guide.
If your bus has changed and you already know the new bus number, please use the Transport NSW website to view the full service details.
To assist you in navigating this process, please also refer to the video below, which explains the changes in detail.
Important Route Information
S156
This bus has changed where it ends in Pottsville. Current students on S156 will either remain on this service or catch S184 from the School to Pottsville depending on their address.
S179
This service from the Junior School now carries only Lindisfarne students. It travels through Casuarina, stopping at all designated stops, and terminates in Pottsville Waters. Junior School students travelling beyond Bogangar will either remain on this service or transfer at Bogangar School, in the designated safe bus area, to S156 depending on their address.
Staff will be at the affected buses prior to departure on Thursday and Friday to remind students to check this detail and work out a plan with parents. Additional staff will be on duty on Monday and Tuesday to help ease the transition and answer final questions.
It is important that every student has a plan to navigate this change. If a student is in doubt about their correct bus, staff will be present to assist. If staff do not feel confident on a student's plan, they will keep the student at school and contact parents to arrange collection. We appreciate your support as we work through these changes.
For queries relating to this, please email community@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.
This email account will be checked over the weekend, and we ask that queries are limited strictly to changes relating to the new timetable.
Please note there are no changes to Lindisfarne's provided services.
Thank you.
Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement
Beauty and the Beast - Tickets On Sale Now
Whole School News
From the Accounts Department
SCHOOL FEE CASH PAYMENTS
If anyone is wishing to pay their school fees in cash at either Maher’s Lane or the Junior School, could you please call or email accounts in advance to make an appointment, outside of start and finish bell times.
Planning ahead will ensure you do not have to wait.
Email : accounts@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au
Lindisfarne Buses
The Lindisfarne buses provide a service for students registered to travel to and from the closest bus stop to the residential address of the family. The Lindisfarne Bus service does not have the capacity to meet requests such as transport for students to swap buses for travel to other locations for sport, work, social or other reasons.
Should your child need to attend such an activity we advise you to make alternative arrangements like carpooling to transport your child to their event.
Your understanding in this matter is appreciated.
Please direct any Lindisfarne bus enquiries to bus@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au
Brett Dinsdale
Business Manager
First Nations
Parents and Friends
Friends of the Arts
Wellbeing Resources
Harmony Week
Student Voice
Upcoming Events
FunFest
Staff Bio
Teaching and Learning
Nurse
Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
As we move through a busy and rewarding period in the Junior School, it has been wonderful to see our students engaging with both the academic and co-curricular opportunities that make our learning community so vibrant.
Over the past fortnight, our Year 3 students have completed their NAPLAN assessments. I would like to commend them on the calm, focused and positive manner in which they approached the testing. NAPLAN provides us with a valuable opportunity to measure student progress over time and to gather important data that helps inform our teaching practice and future program development. This information allows us to tailor learning experiences more effectively to meet each student's needs.
At the same time, it is important to remember that NAPLAN represents just one snapshot of a child’s learning journey. At Lindisfarne, we place great value on a holistic education, one that nurtures not only academic growth, but also creativity, character, wellbeing and a love of learning. The many “beyond the classroom” experiences we offer are an essential part of this, helping our students to develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of connection to their community.
This was certainly evident in our Year 4 camp, held from Wednesday through to Friday this week. The students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, stepping outside their comfort zones, building friendships and creating lasting memories. School camp is such a special milestone, offering a unique environment for personal growth, teamwork and independence.
We are incredibly grateful to our outstanding camp providers and long-standing partners at Camp Goodenough. Their team consistently delivers high-quality, engaging and safe experiences for our students, and we deeply appreciate the care and professionalism they bring each year.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting week of activities that reflect the richness of our Junior School experience. An enduring pillar of Australian primary school education, Healthy Harold will be visiting with the Life Education Van, offering engaging and meaningful health and wellbeing learning for our students. We will also welcome Ditto and the Bravehearts Keep Safe Program, supporting our P–2 students in developing important personal safety skills in an age-appropriate and empowering way.
Rounding out what promises to be a very busy and enjoyable week, we will host our Caring for Country Market, celebrating sustainability and student enterprise, along with our Fun Cross Country Carnival for our P-1 students, a wonderful opportunity for participation, encouragement and school spirit.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Junior School.
Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School
Dedicated Kinetic Bus Service for Junior School Families
We are delighted to share some exciting news for our Lindisfarne community. After more than four years of sustained lobbying, advocacy and collaboration with families, Kinetic and Transport for NSW, a dedicated Kinetic bus service will now be available for Lindisfarne Junior School students travelling through to Casuarina and Bogangar.
This is a significant milestone for our school community and one that has been achieved through persistence, partnership and a clear focus on student safety and family needs. Over this period, the School has worked closely with a range of stakeholders and has consistently advocated for a more age-appropriate afternoon transport option for our younger students. Parent and community surveys have played an important role in this process, providing strong evidence of both the need for the service and the level of likely usage. We thank all families who took the time to contribute to this advocacy effort.
The new arrangement will include access via Route S179, helping provide a more suitable transport pathway for Junior School students travelling to the Kingscliff, Casuarina and Bogangar areas. Importantly, this service will no longer travel via St Joseph’s, Banora Point, making the journey more direct and more appropriate for Lindisfarne Junior School students and families. For many families, this will offer a welcome alternative to the current afternoon pick-up routine and provide greater confidence in the availability of a transport option designed with younger students in mind.
It is pleasing to see the fruits of this long-term effort now becoming a reality. At the same time, it is important to note that, just as strong community support helped secure this service, ongoing usage and passenger numbers will be the determining factor in ensuring it remains available to Junior School families into the future. We strongly encourage families who have indicated a desire for this service to make use of it wherever possible.
From both a safety and environmental perspective, this new service has the potential to make a meaningful difference. Fewer parent pick-ups will mean fewer cars on the road, particularly around Sunshine Avenue, helping to ease congestion and improve safety for students, families and local residents. Reducing the number of car trips will also deliver environmental benefits and, importantly for many families, help reduce the cost burden associated with fuel and daily travel.
This is a positive outcome for our students, our families and our wider community. We look forward to seeing this dedicated service well supported and to continuing our work with transport providers to ensure the best possible arrangements for Lindisfarne students.
Harmony Week
Our students kicked off Harmony Week with a vibrant splash of orange on Monday, setting a positive and inclusive tone for the days ahead. It was wonderful to see students proudly wearing orange to show their support for inclusivity, respect, and creating a sense of belonging for all.
This week, we have embraced our Diversity Dani traits, taking time to recognise and celebrate everything that makes each of us unique and special. In classrooms, students have engaged in conversations and activities that highlight the importance of understanding, accepting, and valuing differences, while also recognising the many things we share.
As a school community, we have come together to create a beautiful Kindness Tree, filled with Helping Hands and Caring Hearts. Each contribution represents the thoughtful, kind, and supportive actions our students show every day, reinforcing the message that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.


Harmony Week has been a meaningful opportunity for our students to reflect on what it means to belong. We are proud of the way our school continues to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion, where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Dana Dowker
Dean of Students - Junior School
Caring for Country Market

ELC Easter Hat Parade
Green Team
Middle School
From the Head of Middle School
It is hard to believe that in just two weeks we will be celebrating Easter with family and friends. As we approach this time, there are clear signs across the school that the term is drawing to a close.
Students are now entering an important phase of the term, with assessments underway. While this marks the end of a cycle of learning, it is not the end of learning itself. Teaching and learning will continue right through to the final day of Term 1, with a strong focus on consolidating understanding, extending thinking, and maintaining consistent routines.
Regular attendance remains essential during this time. Being present each day supports students to maintain momentum, build confidence in their learning, and finish the term settled and well prepared for what lies ahead.
Why Finishing Well Matters
Finishing well is about more than completing tasks. It reflects the habits and attitudes that underpin long-term success.
It demonstrates responsibility and care in how work is approached
It builds consistency, focus and resilience over time
It contributes to a positive and purposeful learning environment for all
Finishing the Term Well
Stay focused on what matters most and approach each task with care
Maintain routines that support learning, including rest, organisation and preparation
Look out for one another; small acts of encouragement can make a difference
Take time to recognise progress and growth across the term
As we move through these final weeks, our focus remains on supporting students to finish with purpose and consistency. I wish all students the very best as they complete their assessments and encourage everyone to remain engaged right through to the final day of term.
Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School
Stage 3 News
Stage 3 Parent Teacher Interviews
Thank you to all parents and carers who recently met with us for Parent-Teacher Interviews. It was a valuable opportunity to connect, share how your child is progressing, and discuss ways we can continue to support their learning.
If you have not yet had a chance to meet with your child’s teacher, please feel free to contact them via email to arrange a suitable time.
NAPLAN
Well done to all Stage 3 students for the way they approached NAPLAN. They showed focus, resilience and a positive attitude throughout the testing period, particularly with the changes to routine.
With NAPLAN now complete, we have returned to our usual classroom learning, and students have settled back in well as we continue through the term.
Paula Drew
Year 5 Coordinator
Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
This week, our Year 11 students had the valuable opportunity to engage in a powerful seminar delivered by Your Choicez, an organisation dedicated to values-based, respectful relationship education. Their approach is intentionally thought-provoking, inviting students to reflect deeply on their behaviours and values within relationships.
The seminar explored themes that are highly relevant to young people today, including consent, sexual ethics, the influence of pornography, and the pressures created by stereotypes and social expectations. Importantly, it challenged students to consider what respectful relationships look like in practice and how to recognise both healthy and unhealthy dynamics.
These conversations matter. They are not always easy, but they are essential. In a world where young people are navigating increasingly complex social and digital landscapes, providing them with the language and confidence to make respectful and ethical decisions is a core part of our role as educators.
This work also sits within a broader cultural conversation. Many families may be aware of Louis Theroux’s newest documentary, now streaming on Netflix, titled Inside the Manosphere. It has brought renewed attention to the online spaces shaping some young men’s attitudes towards gender, power and relationships. While confronting, the documentary highlights why proactive education in schools is so important. If young people are exposed to harmful or distorted narratives online, we must ensure they are equally equipped with the critical thinking skills and values to question and challenge them.
Social media continues to play a significant role in shaping identity, relationships and expectations. The recent introduction of stronger regulations around young people’s access to online platforms reflects growing concern about the impact of digital environments on wellbeing and development. These changes also highlight the important role families play in reinforcing expectations at home. Schools cannot do this work in isolation; a consistent message between school and home is essential if we are to support young people to navigate these spaces safely and responsibly.
A particularly challenging aspect of this landscape is the prevalence and accessibility of online pornography. It is a reality that many young people encounter this content, often at an age where they are not developmentally equipped to interpret it critically. As emphasised in the Your Choicez seminar, exposure to pornography can distort understandings of intimacy and consent, and can have lasting impacts on attitudes and behaviours.
For this reason, it is timely to remind students and families of the expectations surrounding appropriate technology use. Accessing such material is not only inconsistent with the values we seek to foster, but is also strictly prohibited on school-managed devices. More importantly, it is damaging to the development of respectful and healthy relationships.
In the Senior School, our commitment is to foster a culture of respect, empathy and integrity. The Year 11 seminar is one example of how we intentionally support students in developing not only academically but also as responsible and respectful members of our school.
We are grateful to Your Choicez for their engaging and impactful work, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations with our students, in partnership with families.
Mrs Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School
Exploring the Future
Year 10 Students Engage in AI STEM & Careers Incursion
On Tuesday, our Year 10 Computing Technology students, along with a number of interested Year 10 Careers students, had the exciting opportunity to participate in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) STEM & Careers Incursion delivered by Neuranext.ai.
This highly interactive session introduced students to one of the most influential and rapidly evolving technologies of our time. The incursion was designed to both spark curiosity and deepen understanding of how AI is shaping industries and future career pathways.
Students explored key concepts such as computer vision and how AI systems interpret and label data, before seeing these ideas brought to life through live demonstrations. Using real-time applications, students engaged with technologies including object detection, facial recognition, and human pose estimation, experimenting with movement and expression to observe how AI responds and adapts.
A highlight of the session was the comparison between human-controlled and autonomous driving. Students first navigated a remote-control car using their own skills, before observing how AI-powered autonomous vehicles approached the same task. This provided valuable insight into both the capabilities and limitations of AI systems, and the importance of data in improving outcomes.
Students also had the opportunity to interact with cutting-edge quadruped robotics, exploring how AI enables machines to perform complex tasks. Students observed the different uses of each of the robots, encouraging creative thinking around real-world applications across industries.



The session also introduced students to the world of generative AI, exploring how technology can now create text, images, music, and more. Importantly, students were challenged to think critically about these advancements, including how to identify AI-generated content and the broader implications for society.
A key component of the incursion was the focus on future careers. Students gained insight into emerging roles within the AI industry and heard about the skills and attributes required to succeed in this space. This included both technical expertise and essential soft skills, as well as practical advice on how students can begin building their knowledge and experience now.
This incursion provided a valuable and engaging experience, helping students to better understand the role of AI in the modern world while opening their eyes to the diverse and evolving career opportunities ahead.
Hayley McDonald
Director of Careers & VET
Creative Industries
International
Welcoming our Visitors - Nabari Seihou High School, Japan
It was a true pleasure to welcome students and staff from our sister school, Nabari Seihou High School in Japan, to our community.
Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to the families within our school and the wider community who so generously opened their homes. Your warmth and hospitality made a lasting impact, and the students’ Australian experience was all the richer for the way you welcomed them into your lives.
During their visit, the students embraced many aspects of Australian culture. They tried their hand at making mini pavlovas, learned how to kick and pass an AFL ball, explored robotics, and engaged in creative Australian art experiences. The preschool and kindergarten staff and students welcomed the group with open arms and even walking in the rain became a memorable adventure!
Our staff were, as always, exceptional - so generous with their time, talents, and care. Their efforts ensured the students felt supported, included, and inspired throughout their stay.
In the classroom, we focused on expanding vocabulary, particularly using adjectives to add depth and detail when communicating. It was wonderful to see the students grow in confidence as they experimented with more descriptive language.
Above all, the highlight of the visit was the connections formed. Sharing classes, lunch breaks, and everyday moments allowed students to talk, laugh, and build genuine friendships. These connections are what make our sister school relationship so meaningful and enduring.



Rebecca Wilson
Manager - International Development
Sport
Sport News
Well, a couple of blinks and we are heading to the end of Term 1, 2026. Most of our representative trials are done and dusted, a few sports yet to be established, eg AFL and Indoor Volleyball. A lot of our selected representative teams are already underway across numerous codes.
Our end of term always comes alive with our Cross Country carnival, with a construction road through the course this year. The course is largely the same, but with a new section of land cleared out the back that we will run through.
Cross Country information - HERE
Week 9:
Monday, 23: Rugby v Somerset
Tuesday, 24: NCIS Secondary Netball Championships
Wednesday, 25: CIS Swimming Primary Championships
Thursday, 26: Rugby Miami SHS Girls 7’s
Friday, 27: Rugby Miami SHS Primary 7’s
Friday, 27: NCIS Primary & Secondary Touch Football
Cross Country Training
Mr Bedford will be running cross-country training at 7.00 am on Wednesday mornings starting this Wednesday, 18 March. Please meet on the Trade Skills Deck near the cafe at 6.50am.
Lindisfarne is active in the market, seeking outstanding Athletics practitioners , which are a rare commodity in our region.
For all Sport news, please expand the article.
Football Girls CIS Cup
Our Open Girls Football team enjoyed a home ground advantage over Coffs Harbour Christian School, last Thursday, 12 March.
The girls prevailed with a 4:2 win as the final result, but had to play from behind twice. We were completely dominating possession, but their goal keeper kept them in the hunt saving shots consistently.
Our Open Girls team will be a hard beat, and head south to Sydney next to take on one of the bigger schools, Roseville College, early in Term 2.
Football CIS Cup Boys
The Lindisfarne Open Boys met Calrossy Anglican School on neutral ground in Coffs Harbour. This was round 2 of the CIS Plate. The boys were more than determined after a tough loss in the last match against local rivals Emmanuel Anglican (Ballina). Despite a number of players unable to play the fixture, the boys put in a truly dominant performance in a bit of a mismatched fixture. The brand of football the boys played was several steps above the opposition and there was never any doubt. Captain Jack Edwards led the team admirably, pulling the strings all match in the heart of midfield.
The boys were victorious by a 14-0 scoreline with goals to:
Oscar Meulet (4)
James 'Marley' Letters (3)
Curtis Moore (2)
Tahn Richards (2)
Fletcher Bisgrove (2)
GK David Wallis (penalty kick)
The next round will see them face off against the winner of The Armidale School vs St Columba Anglican (Port Macquarie).
Coach Cadman
Race Kayaking
The Lindisfarne Sports Department are utilising the school's boathouse at Kingscliff to further develop young paddlers. The proposed sessions aim to improve paddling technique, fitness, and strength in preparation for the Paddle Queensland (PQ) Schools Marathon State Titles.
For full details regarding the training schedule, event logistics, and register your interest please view the Parent Information Letter here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Tom Campbell directly at thomas.campbell@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.
Thredbo MTB Interschools results
Last week, the Australian Mountain Biking Championships were held at Thredbo. Lindisfarne was represented by Year 10 students Sofie and Isa Soenen. Both girls had a fantastic week and came away with fantastic results, both individually and as a school.
Individually, Sofie Soenen placed 7th overall, and Isa Soenen placed 10th. This is a great result and testament to their commitment to mountain biking. A breakdown of all the results can be seen below.
Rockshox Downhill
Sofie 10th
Isa 11th
Specialised All Mountain
Sofie 9th
Isa 15th
Maxxs Pump Track Challenge
Isa 9th
Sofie 10
Fox Flow
Sofie 7th
Isa 13th
As a result of the above performances, Lindisfarne managed to finish second in all disciplines for the Division 2 (Years 9 and 10) girls. As a result of this, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School placed 40th out of over 300 schools from Victoria, NSW, ACT and Queensland in the champion school category. Next year's event will most likely be in the first week of March and we are always looking for more riders to complete our team. As soon as dates for the 2027 event are confirmed, we will send out information.
Mr Bedford





Spotlight on Charli Wiegand
Please see coverage from the media event last Wednesday with Matilda and Tameka Yallop. Charli spoke with Channel 9, Channel 10, Gold Coast Bulletin, ABC radio and Hot Tomato.
This week, Charli also attended the Talent Development Scheme (TDS) event held by Football Australia, which is part of a national initiative designed to identify and nurture elite young football talent through high-performance training and, specifically, Talent Development Matches (TDMs).


Years 5 - 6 Australian Rules Football Primary Boys Trials
Jack Williams, Year 6 and Joey Mason, Year 5, travelled to Sydney for the NSWCIS AFL team trials. Both boys competed very well and displayed great skill. Unfortunately, they just missed out on selection for the team.

Athletics QA State Championships
Our Lindisfarne athletes delivered some outstanding performances over the weekend at the QA State Championships held at QSAC. Some seriously good results. Here are some of the standouts in the middle distance events were;
Will Middleton - Gold medals U14 boys 800m & 1500m in insane times.
Izzy Daniel - Bronze medals in U16 1500m, in a big PB.
Elle Down - Gold medal in the U15 1500m in a PB; she competed in a few age groups.
Jack Kane - Gold medal in 90m Hurdles, Silver medals in Long jump and Triple jump, 4th in the 200m, and 6th in 100m. He even got a photo with Gout Gout at the end of his 100m!


Australian RowingNational Championships – Good Luck Ayla!
Good luck to Ayla Drury, who will be representing Lindisfarne at the Australian Rowing National Championships this week. Ayla will be competing in the Schoolgirl Single Scull, U17 Single Scull (1x), U17 Double Scull (2x), U19 Eight (8+), and the Queensland Youth Eight (8+).
This is an outstanding achievement, particularly as the Youth Eight is an Under-20 age event, making her selection especially impressive. We wish Ayla the very best of luck and look forward to following her racing throughout the week.

Damien Clucas
Head of Sports and Activities
Race Kayaking After School Training
The Lindisfarne Sports Department is utilising the school's boathouse at Kingscliff to further develop young paddlers. The proposed sessions aim to improve paddling technique, fitness, and strength in preparation for the Paddle Queensland (PQ) Schools Marathon State Titles.
1. Coaching & Leadership
We are fortunate to have John Wilkie leading our sessions. John is a Sydney 2000 Olympian who represented Australia and was also the 2004 Athens Olympics - Austrian Canoe/Kayak Slalom Team Coach. His expertise in stroke technique and race craft provides our students with an experienced coach.
2. Weekly Training Schedule
Day | Time | Location | Session Details |
Monday | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Lindisfarne Boat House | Coaching: Led by John Wilkie. |
Thursday | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Lindisfarne Boat House | Coaching: Led by John Wilkie. |
Friday | 7:15 AM – 8:15 AM | School Gym | Strength & Conditioning: |
Flexible | User Choice | Local Area | Aerobic Run: Group or individual (25–40 mins). |
3. Key Dates
Start Date: Monday, 20 April (Week 1, Term 2), 9 Week program.
- Culminating Event: PQ Schools Marathon State Titles – 16 June
Note: U12 - 2 km, U14 - 4km, U16 & up - 6km course.
5. Thursday Integrated Sport
Thursday's integrated sport sessions will continue in term 2, with a focus on learning to paddle.
These sessions provide an opportunity for students to try the sport or spend time in a kayak with the goal of progressing to a K1.
A K1 is quite an unstable kayak and usually takes some time to master.
6. Expression of interest
Click here to fill out the expression of interest form. The form will close on Friday, 27 March 2026. If there is enough interest, we will send families the next steps for registration and payment via Clipboard.
Damien Clucas
Head of Sports and Activities
Rugby News

RECENT GAMES
SUNSHINE COAST INTERSCHOOL FIXTURE
1st XV 5-34
Lindisfarne faced a strong challenge against Sunshine Coast Grammar, a well-regarded non-GPS rugby program. It was a notable occasion for the team, marking the first time Lindisfarne played their top side, as previous matchups had typically been against a mixed 2nd XV due to the depth of the Sunshine Coast program. There was also an interesting sideline storyline, with the Sunshine Coast team coached by the younger brother of the Lindisfarne coach, Rico Gear.
Forward Battle: Lindisfarne competed extremely well up front and held their own in what was a very even forward contest. The lineout was a major positive, operating at close to 100% accuracy, providing a solid platform throughout the match. The team’s lone try came through determined multi-phase pressure in the A-zone, with tough close-quarter carries wearing down the defence before the ball was shifted wide. Will Stovin finished the movement well, crossing in the corner after good width and patience from the attack.
Standout Performers: Caleb Doevendans was the standout forward on the field for either team. A constant menace at the breakdown, he dominated the contest with his jackal work while also maintaining a huge work rate around the park. Captain Tucker Groves also led strongly in the tight exchanges, putting in a hard-working shift in the engine room and helping keep the forward contest even.
Sunshine Coast Strength: Sunshine Coast Grammar showed why they are regarded as a strong rugby school. Their backline organisation and structure were impressive, moving the ball accurately and applying pressure across the field.
Their inside centre (13) was particularly dangerous, repeatedly breaking tackles and creating momentum. Sunshine Coast also executed two well-structured maul tries, which helped build their scoreboard advantage and kept Lindisfarne chasing the game.
Defensive Effort: Despite the scoreline, Lindisfarne showed excellent scrambling defence, particularly on the edges where several potential tries were shut down by desperate cover tackles and defenders forcing attackers into touch. However, the weight of possession and sustained pressure from Sunshine Coast eventually proved too much.
Overall: While the final score finished 5–34, Lindisfarne can take plenty of positives from the performance. Matching a strong program physically up front, running an accurate lineout, and showing resilient defence are encouraging signs as the team continues to develop. A tough but valuable contest that showed very encouraging progress from the boys.
Please expand the article to read more Rugby news.
U16
The LAGS U16 Lions continued their strong early-season growth with a spirited 19–19 draw against a talented Sunshine Coast Grammar side. In what was a highly competitive contest, the Lions will feel unlucky not to have taken the win after dominating large periods of the game, particularly in an impressive first half.
At one stage the team strung together more than 20 phases inside the opposition’s 22, highlighting the habits they are building around strong ball placement, effective body height at the breakdown, and tireless support play.
Captain Matty Dunn led superbly, producing several telling breaks, crossing for a try and creating opportunities for teammates with clever touches. Max Esgate’s first-half kicking game helped keep LAGS playing in the right areas of the field and applied consistent pressure on the opposition.
In the forwards, Archer Barr was outstanding, scoring two tries and covering enormous ground in both attack and defence. Oscar Moller provided strong go-forward with powerful carries and impressive metres after contact.
On the wing, Harper Richards produced one of his best performances in a LAGS jersey, combining speed and footwork with a crucial try-saving tackle in the second half that lifted the team.
Impact from the bench came through Adam Blinco, whose dominant tackles added energy to the defensive effort. Tom O’Brien directed play well at scrum-half with sharp service that allowed the forwards to attack with width, while Luke Jones continued to show clear growth in his game.
Lou Robins’ work rate and attitude again stood out, while the defensive pressure and breakdown work of Oli Wilson, often combining with Campbell Patterson, helped ensure the Lions remained competitive throughout a hard-fought match.
A tremendous team effort and another strong step forward for the Lions.
U18 Girls
With a number of key players unavailable to play this game, the team had the bare minimum of 7 players and a huge thank you to Kyas Todd for filling in to make up the numbers.
Sunshine Coast Grammar came with a full squad and rotated their players well in the early season game allowing the hot conditions to take less of a toll on their players.
The Lindisfarne girls held their own in the first half of both games, only leaking one try and playing some excellent attacking rugby and putting some nice phases together. Our defence was also fantastic with some strong tackles being made, particularly from Ruby Lynch who as girls rugby captain, really led from the front.
The second half of each game we faded somewhat on defence but still attacked really well.
The girls should be proud of their first game of the year with our newest player Amber Sullivan making a huge contribution and gaining lots of confidence from this hit out.
Shelby Osborne had another strong afternoon, continuing on from her fantastic tournament at Queensland All Schools 7’s last year.
Player of the Day though went to Ruby for her tireless efforts across both games and her outstanding leadership.
KEY DATES
Please see upcoming key dates for our rugby program below. You can find the full list of key dates HERE.
Monday, 23 March | Somerset College (Boys XV: U12, U13, 2nd XV (U16), 1st XV) at Somerset |
Thursday, 26 March | Miami SHS Girls 7s (Girls 7s: U14, U16, U18) at Miami SHS |
Friday, 27 March | APS Rugby RD2 (Boys XV: U13, U14) |
Friday, 27 March | Miami SHS Primary 7s (Boys U12) at Miami SHS |
Tuesday, 31 March | NCIS 7s & NCIS XV Trial (Boys 7s: U14, U16, U18, Girls 7s: U14, U16, U18) at The Armidale School |
OTHER ITEMS
Lindisfarne Rugby Game Footage
We will endeavour to record as many matches as possible for the 2026 rugby season, with preference given to U18 boys and girls. These games will be added to the below list:
QLD Rugby Ballymore Cup - U14, U16 and 1st XV Boys
The Ballymore Cup is Queensland's largest schoolboy rugby competition which has been running since 2003 and our U14, U16 and 1st XV are again playing in this competition this year. It is a state-wide competition for all schools that presents non-traditional rugby schools and schools from regional areas with the opportunity to compete at a higher level. Here is a short video of the highlights from the 2021 Ballymore Cup: https://youtu.be/v5Z3e6YnXUs
As a brief overview of The Ballymore Cup, it will include:
Five games of rugby from the 16-18th April pending draw
Two nights’ accommodation for all players
Food for majority of tournament (i.e., all meals/snacks from dinner on Thursday 16th April - breakfast on 18th April)
Transport to and from the school on Thursday 16th April and Saturday 18th April
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND OF TERM 1 HOLIDAYS SO PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE SENIOR BOYS (Y7-12) PROGRAM.
Unfortunately, we can only carry 25 players in each squad (23 active players for each game and 2 non-playing reserves) and we will have these selections confirmed on 5th March. More information will be provided ASAP.
The Armidale School Rugby Carnival - U16 and 14 Girls 7s, U12 Boys XV
For the fourth year running, we have been accepted into The Armidale School Rugby Carnival (TASRC), which is the biggest primary (U12) school rugby carnival in Australia. This year we will also have our Girls 7s U14 and U16 teams competing which is a major milestone for our girls 7s program. The carnival runs from Friday 17th April - Sunday 19th April this year. Registration will include:
TASRC carnival cap
Five games of rugby at the carnival
Two nights’ accommodation for players and support staff
Dinner on Friday and Saturday night
Full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning at the boarding school
Lunch on two days provided by TAS at the carnival
Team photograph for each participant
Transport to and from the school on Friday 17th and Sunday 19th
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE NSW TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SO PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE JUNIOR BOYS (Y5-6) PROGRAM AND U16/U14 GIRLS 7s.
Unfortunately, we can only carry 20 players in the boys squad and 12 players in the girls squad and we will have these selections confirmed on 5th March.. More information will be provided ASAP.
Salt Bar Sponsorship
We are extremely proud to have the Salt Bar as sponsors of the 2026 Lindisfarne Rugby Program.
As part of this sponsorship, Salt Bar has generously provided all members of the Lindisfarne rugby community (e.g., parents, supporters, friends) with a 10% discount on food and drinks.
You can use this discount anytime you are at the Salt Bar and to access this discount:
Download The Pass app via the App store or Google Play
Go to More > Promo Code and enter the code LINDISFARNE
Make sure to use The Pass app when ordering food and drink at the Salt Bar

Player of the Day
As part of our sponsorship with the Salt Bar, we are very lucky that all our Players of the Day will receive a $25 voucher to spend on food and drink at Salt Bar.
List of Players of the Day
Term 1
1st XV | Kings | Zane Weston |
U16 | Kings | Matty Dunn |
U14 | Kings | Zander Rosser |
U13 | Kings | Buddy Robin |
1st XV | All Saints | Caleb Doevendans |
U16 | All Saints | Oscar Muller |
U14 | All Saints | Dale Piper |
U12 | All Saints | Jack Preston |
U12 | NSW Rugby FNC Primary 7s | Jack Preston |
U16G | APS Girls 7s RD1 | Evie Barker |
U14G | APS Girls 7s RD1 | Anabella Robertson |
1st XV | Sunshine Coast Grammar | Caleb Doevendans |
U16 | Sunshine Coast Grammar | Archer Barr |
U18G | Sunshine Coast Grammar | Ruby Lynch |
Gold Coast South Rehab Sponsorship
The Lindisfarne Rugby Program is very fortunate to have Gold Coast South Rehab as a sponsor in 2026.
Gold Coast South Rehab is one of the leading physiotherapy clinics on the Gold Coast. With private treatment rooms, a fully equipped rehabilitation gym, and a multi-disciplinary team with physiotherapy, exercise physiology, massage therapy, podiatry, and nutritionist services, Gold Coast South Rehab has the perfect combination to support growing adolescent student athletes.
Gold Coast South Rehab is headed up by Mr Cameron Lillicrap, who brings extensive rugby knowledge and professional experience to Lindisfarne's rugby program. A former Queensland Reds and Wallaby player, Cameron represented Australia with distinction during his playing career which included two Rugby World Cups. Following his playing retirement, Cameron continued his involvement in elite rugby as a team physiotherapist for the Queensland Reds for 13 years and for Australian Wallabies from1997 to 2007, providing expert support at the highest level of the sport including another two Rugby World Cups. At Lindisfarne, Cameron not only provides expert physiotherapy support to the rugby program, he also brings extensive technical knowledge as a coach for our 1st XV forwards. Specializing in the technical aspects of forwards play, he has served as scrum coach for both the Queensland Reds and the Australian Wallabies. He has also coached at Souths Rugby, University of Queensland Rugby, Brisbane Grammar School, and most recently Toowoomba Grammar School. His broad experience across grassroots, schoolboy, and professional rugby ensures Lindisfarne students benefit from expert guidance in both skill development and game strategy.
Assisting Mr Lillicrap service the school is Mr Zach Allen, who is a dual-qualified physiotherapist and exercise physiologist with extensive experience in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, athletic performance, and clinical Pilates. He holds a Master of Physiotherapy (USYD) and a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (Hons, UQ). Zach has worked with a diverse range of clients—from elite athletes to the general public—through roles with the Sydney Swans, Central Performance, and Mt Gravatt Vultures AFC. You can find out more about the team of staff at Gold Coast South Rehab HERE.
As part of the Lindisfarne sponsorship, Gold Coast South Rehab will provide Lindisfarne rugby players and school rugby community with discounted physiotherapy consultations ($90 fee for both initial ($140) and follow up ($110) consultations) at their practice in Coolangatta. They will also assist with:
Physiotherapy support and strapping during home and away games
Physiotherapy support for major tournaments (e.g., Ballymore Cup and QLD All Schools) at tournament locations.
If you need physiotherapy or have any injuries, please contact Gold Coast South Rehab on (07) 56381457 or you can also book online at their website HERE.
Stack Team APP
The Stack Team app will be our Rugby Union program’s main form of communication for all our squads, with exception of U12 boys.
Parents and students who have parental permission for smartphones should download the app and join the Lindisfarne Rugby Program in the app.
To download the Stack team app, use the following links:
● iOS: https://www.teamapp.com/ios-ap...
● Android: https://www.teamapp.com/androi...
Once downloaded, please search for 'Lindisfarne Rugby Program' and request to join.
2026 Training Schedule and Notes
Please take note of the 2026 training schedule below. Rugby union is a team sport and we need as many of our players to be in attendance week in and week out to grow the Lindisfarne rugby program. Please note we will NOT be sending reminders for these training sessions (all players and families should assume training will ALWAYS BE ON), however we will let you all know with as much time as possible if we need to cancel a session due to weather or other factors.
Students should be in proper training attire (NOT school sports uniform) with mouthguard, boots and any other equipment they play with for every training session. This requirement also includes integrated school sport on Thursday i.e., students should wear our rugby training top or similar training top and not the school sport polo at this time. Alongside this, students should have a towel and spare school uniform to change into in case there is wet weather.
Outside of rugby training times, students should be in the correct uniform, which includes wearing the school sport polo on Thursday in P1-2 and P5-6 and in PE lessons and not rugby training tops.
Monday | Strength and Conditioning (OPEN GIRLS)
Contact and Individual Skills Training (ALL BOYS AND GIRLS SQUADS EXCEPT U12 BOYS)
|
Tuesday | Strength and Conditioning (Open Boys)
Position Specific (e.g., Tight Five, Inside Backs) Training (Open Boys)
|
Thursday | Team Session (ALL BOYS AND GIRLS SQUADS EXCEPT U12 BOYS)
|
Friday | Team Session (U12)
|
More Information
If you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Coyne (jcoyne@lindiisfarne.nsw.edu.au)
Dr Jospeh Coyne
Director of High Performance, Sport and Athlete Development
The Hamon Brothers: Catching Waves and Lending a Hand
Sonny and Monty Hamon first joined Nippers as Flippers during the 2016/2017 season at Bilinga SLSC. This week they completed the entire Nipper pathway and have now become volunteer Surf Life Savers, both achieving their SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate) this season.
On Sunday, Sonny was awarded Bilinga Nipper of the Year for 2026.
Sonny and Monty have been awarded Life Membership at Bilinga and will continue giving back to the club through their volunteering as part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh International Award at Lindisfarne.





Nathan Alterator
Head of House - St Margaret
Mahers Lane
Pastoral Care
Outdoor Education
Agriculture
Business, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
English
Mathematics
Maths
Science
Humanities
STEM
PDHPE
Music
Debating and Public Speaking
Theatre and Dance
Speech and Drama - Top Marks in QLD
We are thrilled to share outstanding news from our Speech and Drama program, with a record eight Lindisfarne students achieving the highest mark in Queensland in their respective examinations and being awarded the prestigious Barbara Sisley Award.
These students have been invited to perform at a special award ceremony at Parliament House in June, an exceptional honour that recognises not only their individual excellence, but also the strength and quality of performance training at Lindisfarne.
This achievement reflects the dedication, discipline and passion of our students, as well as the expertise and commitment of our Speech and Drama tutors, whose guidance continues to nurture confident, expressive and highly skilled performers.
We extend our sincere congratulations to the following students:
Madeline Neumann (Year 11) – Trinity College London, Grade 7 (second consecutive year receiving this award)
Sienna Williamson (Year 11) – Trinity College London, Grade 6
Lucy Simmonds (Year 9) – Trinity College London, Grade 5
Amelia Haubek (Year 8) – Trinity College London, Grade 4
Harper Reid (Year 8) – AMEB Speech and Performance, Grade 4
Aki Srinath (Year 5) – AMEB Speech and Performance, Preliminary
Rishi Pettit (Year 5) – AMEB Speech and Performance, Preliminary
Lucia Kirkman (Year 5) – AMEB Speech and Performance, Preliminary
We are incredibly proud of these students and look forward to celebrating their success at Parliament House later this year.
Beyond these achievements, Speech and Drama continues to play a vital role in developing confident, articulate and creative young people. Through performance and communication training, students build essential skills in public speaking, collaboration, critical thinking and self-expression, capabilities that support success across all areas of learning and life.
Speech and Drama – Term 2
If your child is interested in joining the Speech and Drama program, we encourage you to complete the enrollment form. Speech and Drama offers students the opportunity to build confidence, develop strong communication skills, and engage in creative expression through performance.
All currently enrolled students will automatically resume their lessons from Week 1 of Term 2.
Amy Camer
Director of Theatre and Dance
Visual Arts
Languages
French
Japanese
Dance
ParentEd
Germinate Records
Photography and Digital Media
Learning Enrichment
Round Square
International Conference
Are you ready for an unforgettable week of adventure, leadership, and global connection right here in our own backyard?
Barker College is thrilled to offer students the opportunity to take part in our International Conference from 28 September to 3 October 2026. This exciting program is open to students aged 16 and over.
Over six action-packed days, students will join young people from around the world for an incredible conference experience filled with cultural exchange, inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on service projects, leadership challenges, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences across Sydney.
Students will be welcomed into a vibrant, festival-style campus atmosphere and will take part in daily Baraza group discussions, where friendships are formed, and big ideas come to life. The program includes a thrilling Adventure Day exploring Sydney, as well as rotating Service Carousel streams, where students will work in teams to tackle real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact.
Evenings will be just as memorable, featuring signature events such as a Cultural Performance Evening, as well as time to relax and connect with other delegates.
The Conference will finish with a unifying final day experience and a celebratory Australian BBQ farewell night, sending students home with unforgettable memories, new friendships, strengthened leadership skills, and a powerful sense of global unity.
Cost: $2,800 (includes flights)
The Conference cost includes:
All meals for the full program
Accommodation from 28 September to 3 October 2026
All transport, including airport transfers
All excursions, activities, and conference experiences.
Places are strictly limited, so students are encouraged to express their interest early to avoid missing out.
You will find the application link here. Please submit it by the due date of Thursday, 2 April.
Please enjoy this promotional video produced by Barker College students. For further information, please contact Mr Lush at mlush@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.
Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator
Sustainability
Lindisfarne Recording Studio
Digital Space
Chess Club
Co-curricular and Extra-curricular
Library
Professional Practice, Innovation and Partnerships
JB Hi-Fi Community Benefits Program

Please use the following link to access the Corporate Benefits Program. LINK
Lindisfarne's Business Network Community
Be a Part of Lindisfarne’s Business Network Community
We invite you to join the Lindisfarne Business Network.
Membership provides valuable recognition for your business, enhanced brand visibility, and direct access to our vibrant and connected school community. It offers a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation while building meaningful relationships with families, alumni, staff, and fellow business leaders.
The Business Network serves as a dynamic platform for fostering strong, ongoing partnerships between the School and the many outstanding businesses that support and enrich our region.
Our Business Network events create powerful opportunities to connect with established professionals and aspiring business leaders, expand your reach, and position your business at the heart of a thriving and engaged community.
To formalise your support of the Lindisfarne Business Network, please refer to the Lindisfarne Business Network Expression of Interest form HERE.


